It could be described as an attempt to influence legislative work. Indeed, it is – and quite publicly at that. The former president has become ‘powder keg’ over his frustration that his so-called ‘big and beautiful’ bill hasn’t passed yet. He lashed out at fellow Republicans, warning (or threatening) them that they are losing voter support.
As of late Wednesday night (02.07.2025), House lawmakers had still not overcome internal disagreements and failed to approve the sweeping tax cut and spending reduction bill promoted by Donald Trump. This is the American president’s signature legislative priority, which has already narrowly passed the Senate but now faces significant delays in the House due to conservative pushback – prompting a strong public reaction from Trump himself.
The Republicans hold only an eight-seat majority, meaning they can afford to lose just three votes. However, by midnight (Washington time), five Republican representatives remained firm in voting against during the final procedural vote before the decisive legislative vote on the bill. Lawmakers can change their votes while the voting window remains open, and House Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox News he would keep it open “as long as needed.”
An enraged Trump took to Truth Social to vent his frustration. In a series of posts, he warned that Make America Great Again (MAGA) supporters were unhappy with the delay, which he claimed was costing Republicans votes.
“What are Republicans waiting for? What are you trying to prove? MAGA is not happy, and this is costing you votes!” Trump wrote. He continued, “This should have been an easy ‘yes’ vote for Republicans. Ridiculous!”
What’s in the ‘beautiful bill’?
Trump’s ‘big and beautiful’ bill – essentially a major tax reform package – forms the cornerstone of the president’s economic agenda. For weeks, he has pressured Congress to pass it before Friday, Independence Day in the U.S.
The legislation seeks to extend massive tax cuts originally enacted during Trump’s first term. It also proposes eliminating the estate tax, a campaign promise, while allocating billions more dollars toward defense and immigration enforcement. Trump claimed hours before his social media outburst that if passed, the bill would trigger “an economic rebirth unlike anything seen before in our history.”
However, independent analysts suggest the benefits would largely go to the wealthiest Americans, while millions of lower-income citizens may lose access to healthcare and social insurance programs. The bill also calls for drastic reductions to SNAP, the primary food assistance program in the U.S., and the elimination of numerous tax incentives introduced under President Joe Biden to promote renewable energy.
Experts and politicians alike warn the bill will significantly increase the U.S. national debt. The Congressional Budget Office announced Tuesday that Trump’s proposal would add more than $3.4 trillion to the nation’s debt by 2034. Just extending the tax cuts alone would cost $4.5 trillion.
“I came to Washington to help rein in our national debt,” said Rep. Keith Self, a Republican congressman, explaining why he voted against the procedural measure. The Texas representative accused senators of trampling over an earlier version of the bill previously passed by the House, emphasizing that his negative vote was ultimately a matter of principle.
Democrats, as expected, oppose the bill. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has called it a ‘monstrous abomination’ that would ‘make everyday Americans suffer’ in order to benefit the wealthy.